Senate Cancels July 4 Recess

McConnell challenges president to meet with Republicans

(Newser)
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The Senate abandoned plans for a July 4 break as time dwindled for lawmakers to strike a compromise on avoiding a government default. Harry Reid announced the scheduling change today, a day after President Obama prodded lawmakers to act swiftly to extend the government's ability to borrow money. "We'll do that because we have work to do," Reid said. Minutes later, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took to the Senate floor to challenge Obama to meet with Senate Republicans "anytime this afternoon" at the Capitol.

He belittled Obama's demands to include increased tax revenues as part of a deficit-cutting package, repeating what GOP leaders have long said: Congress lacks the votes to approve a measure containing tax hikes. "He can hear directly from Senate Republicans why what he's proposing will not pass," said McConnell. "And we can finally start talking about what's actually possible." The White House said Obama had no plans to accept McConnell's invitation.

It's interesting how McConnell and Cornyn are shooting a lot of vocal barrages at Obama and trying to force him to come down to them. Obama will or won't sign what ever the Congress comes up with, but this time he's not lowering himself down there and the GOP being able to holler later how they forced the President to bargain. Obama is going to make the congress sit down and agree on something.

Cat-Lover

Jun 30, 2011 5:44 PM CDT

If we had any COJONES, we'd cancel the Senate -- permanently.

Dezfan

Jun 30, 2011 5:14 PM CDT

Dam straight you over paid, arogant, jaw boning, cry babies need to stop the all the BS and get something done besides campaigning. I'd like to fire you all.

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